USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1939 > Part 9
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SECRETARY TO THE SUPERINTENDENT
Pauline E. Meads, 334 Main Street
CLERK
Doris Skinner, 9 Franklin Street
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE To the Citizens of Wakefield:
The School Committee presents its annual report for the year of 1939.
Among the important actions of the Committee were:
Changed from a double session to a single session in the High School.
Installed a fire escape, additional toilet facilities and made other changes in the High School.
Following the death of J. Edward Hatch, Thomas F. Kenney appointed attendance officer, committee agent and purchasing agent for repair materials.
James A. Fox appointed to the School Committee by a joint committee of Selectmen and School Committee. Dr. J. William Burke appointed as school physician.
Adopted new set of Rules and Regulations for the School Department.
Adopted the Constitution and By-Laws of the High School Athletic Association.
Approved publication of a High School paper.
Continued the administration of tests to children under school age whose parents requested it as in previous years.
Suspended the salary increments for 1939-1940 be- cause of a reduced budget.
Established a school-boy patrol in the grades.
Suspended gymnasium classes beginning January 1, 1940 for the remainder of the school year.
Placed Script System of Shorthand on a trial basis in the High School.
Changes in the personnel for the year listed in Appendix H.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY Total Cost
Net Cost of Schools for Maintenance and Operation Expenditures for 1939:
Salaries
$237,602.83
Other Expenses
37,392.73
$274,995.56
-
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Receipts through the School Department *43,535.83
Net cost to Town through local taxation $231,459.73
*Includes $6,003.99 received after December 31 from Lynnfield and Saugus for tuition from September through December.
Per Pupil Cost
Cost per pupil for instruction and maintenance, based on average membership for the school year, 1938-1939, exclusive of general control:
High School
$110.22
Elementary School
74.87
All Public Schools
92.85
Cost per pupil including ordinary school repairs, in State 102.07
Details of finances listed in Appendices D and E.
HIGH SCHOOL
The enrollment at the beginning of the school year was as follows:
Boys
Girls
Total
Post Graduates
7
12
19
Seniors
103
148
251
Juniors
113
122
235
Sophomores
162
136
298
Freshmen
189
165
354
574
583
1,157
The enrollment this year is 26 more than last year.
The High School Principal makes the following com- ments:
"For many years we have been operating the school under the morning and afternoon session and many felt the afternoon school pupils were working under a severe handicap because of the necessity of late afternoon clos- ing of school and the using of artificial light a large part of the afternoon. Therefore, the School Committee de- cided to operate the school under a one session plan.
"In September we opened school with an eight-period day. To many pupils and parents this seemed like a very long day and so at the beginning of the third term we changed to a seven period day and now school be- gins at 8.00 A. M. and ends at 1.45 P. M.
"We find that operating a school of 1157 pupils in a building which was built to accommodate 850 pupils has many serious disadvantages. Every period of the day from 175 to 300 pupils have to study in the auditorium. The seats in the auditorium are not comfortable and are
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
very unsatisfactory for study. The noise from the gym- nasium classes was very annoying and distracting and the pupils found it very hard to concentrate on their lessons. At present gymnasium classes have been sus- pended for the remainder of the year, and therefore, the auditorium is much more quiet. Lap-boards have been provided which are a great help in studying.
"The lunchroom was built to accommodate 150 pupils and we have 350 pupils there at each of the three lunch periods. It was too crowded, so beginning with the third term we arranged to have the girls eat in the lunchroom and the boys eat in the gymnasium. This plan works very satisfactorily.
"With so many pupils in the building at one time, passing to and from classes is a very trying problem. It is hard to handle the traffic problem in a satisfactory manner. We need more stairways.
"The locker rooms are not large enough for so large a school. This is a problem which we hope will be rem- edied in a short time.
"The pupils and teachers have realized the difficulties of such crowded conditions and have done their best to make the most of a difficult situation. They deserve much praise for the way they have conducted them- selves under very trying conditions.
"In one respect I believe the one-session school is bet- ter than the two-session school. In the two-session school, the afternoon pupils had to return to school in the forenoon to get help from the teachers. Most of the afternoon pupils did no studying in the evening and if they came back for assistance in the forenoon, it re- quired an hour or more to get here and return home and one hour for help; that took the best part of the forenoon and left little time to prepare their lessons. Some of the morning pupils left school at twelve o'clock, some at twelve forty-five and some at one-thirty o'clock and they had to return at two o'clock for assistance. They did not come back. Under the one-session school the pupils can get assistance right after school and many more remain voluntarily to get help than under the two-session school. If we are to continue on a one- session plan, I trust that some plan will be adopted to relieve our crowded conditions.
"In September we began a trial class in Script Short- hand. We are to run two classes, Script and Gregg, for a period of three years to see which seems to be the better type of shorthand. The pupils who have elected the Script Shorthand brought written statements from their parents granting their consent. These classes
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
are being directed by representatives of the Educational Research Corporation who visit the teacher each week to check on the progress of the classes."
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The registration in the various elementary schools as of December 30, 1939 is as follows:
Franklin 321
Montrose 184
Greenwood 458
Warren 259
Hurd
103
Woodville 120
Lincoln 378
West Ward 61
Loss of 76 pupils compared with December 31, 1938.
Because of a decrease in enrollment in the elementary grades in September, we have been able to carry on the work with the elimination of two teaching positions.
A committee of teachers is making a study of the course of study for English. This committee will make - a report of its recommendations upon the completion of its study.
There has been a difference of time allotments for the several subjects in the various districts. The prin- cipals are making a study of these allotments with the Superintendent and we expect to have these differences adjusted before spring.
The following paragraphs are taken from reports by the principals:
"Fire drills have been given extra attention and drills were given under every conceivable situation which might arise.
"The safety patrol has been inaugurated with some good results. While the patrol does create a disciplinary problem, as the leaders are apt to report trivial mat- ters which must be checked, it does keep the children on the sidewalks and stops crossing the streets at any and all points.
"A series of historical motion pictures was presented to the grade children and proved worthwhile from the standpoint of enthusiastic interest and of historic infor- mation. Pupils discussed the various topics in the class- rooms and the memory of events was surprising. If it were possible to have visual instruction regularly much could be accomplished and the value of educational work would be advanced. In years ahead the visual method will be increasingly common as will the radio method."
DRAWING
During the first two months of the school year, the pupils in all grades drew and painted flowers and studied color harmonies. Then followed the study of the In-
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
dians, their homes, utensils, weapons and art, leading on to the holiday season and the study of Pilgrims and Thanksgiving.
Appropriate illustrations and cuttings are worked in for each historical and seasonal period.
The lower grades were taught to illustrate their win- ter sports and activities and the upper grades learned to measure and construct useful articles such as boxes, clipping envelopes, portfolios, stationery cases, blotters, book covers et cetera. Lettering and the making of signs had an important place on the program.
Much time was spent on design work, some of it done with the use of stencil patterns cut out by the pupils, applied and painted. The pupils enjoy the free brush designing most when they can create to their hearts' content.
The art work is often correlated with the other school subjects and the pupils learn about the dress, homes, activities and customs of the people of different lands such as the Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, Mexicans, Swiss and Eskimos. Ships of different ages and types, modes of travel, and castles and knights have also had a place on the program.
Picture study has acquainted the pupils with the old masters and their works.
One seventh grade has developed a little theatre which is being enjoyed by all the grades of that school. The pupils have prepared a number of holiday scenes and are now making a "movie" reel for it. Eventually the other buildings will have theatres.
MUSIC
In the grades we are stressing fundamentals in prepa- ration for the second standard test on musical accom- plishment and our records show that improvement is being made. The purchase of a few victrola recordings was recently authorized. These recordings make it pos- sible to begin the development of intelligent listening, thereby securing a better balanced program. A number of Wakefield pupils are attending the Youth Concerts by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a superior oppor- tunity for acquiring genuine appreciation.
In the High School, the chorus period in which music for mixed groups was studied and preparation made for the annual "Hour of Christmas Music" and "Music Week" concert has been cancelled. The formation of a Gilbert and Sullivan Society which meets in the evening com-
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
pensates somewhat for the lack of mixed choral practice. The extra-curricula activities-glee clubs, bands and orchestras-are carried on as usual.
The violin classes are now conducted by Miss Susan Ripley, a pupil of Mischa Elzon and the 'cello classes by Miss Carolyn Tyler of the Longy School. All of the piano classes are now under the instruction of Miss Edna Parks. It is interesting to note that, with few exceptions, the string sections of the orchestra are com- posed of students who began their study in the instru- mental classes inaugurated three years ago.
Grade pupils who wish to join the band and their parents are interviewed to help them choose the most fitting instrument and to acquaint them with the regular procedure of the work. Class instruction in the various band instruments is given when the enrollment is large enough to warrant a class. A Beginners' Band is organ- ized after the first of the year if a sufficient number have made satisfactory progress. The following year the boys enter the Junior Band where they remain until they enter High School. The pupils are then admitted to the W. H. S. Boys' Band if they are capable.
The Senior Band now has 55 members and is the largest since it was organized.
Training in the grades is now producing enough play- ers each year to replace the members of the band as they are graduated from the High School.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The following activities were a part of the program for physical education :
High School
Girls
Indoors:
Fall-Physical examinations and tests.
Winter-Danish gymnastics and posture work by groups.
Outdoors:
Fall-Field hockey and soccer football.
Spring-Outside games.
After school program: given entirely to instruction in various games and sports.
Boys
Indoors:
Fall-Physical examinations and tests.
Winter-Strengthening exercises, physical fitness ex- ercises, work on the various pieces of apparatus and skill in games.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Outdoors:
Fall-Outdoor games.
Spring-Various games by groups.
After school program: given to instruction in several games and sports.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Each grade has one period every two weeks with the instructor of physical education. In grades one through six, the boys and girls work together; and in grades seven and eight, the boys and girls are separated with Mr. Shellenberger teaching the boys, and Miss Shepard teaching the girls. Each grade teacher spends some part of each day on physical education activities. These activities are carried on out of doors if the weather per- mits. The physical director sends graded outlines for each month to every teacher.
The content of the program for grades one and two is story play, rhythms, stunts, dances, singing games, games and imitations. For grades three through eight, the program consists of game skills, games, relays, rhythms, dances, mimetics, testing activities and Danish and Swedish gymnastics.
HEALTH
Following the regular physical examinations of Grades one, five and nine, the following notices were sent to the homes:
Grades 1 and 5
Tonsils, 153; teeth, 116; scalps, 5; ears, 46.
Grade 9 - Girls
Tonsils, 29; teeth, 23; scalps, 10; skin, 4; ears, 14; nails, 7; infection of toes, 15.
Grade 9 - Boys
Tonsils, 11; teeth, 7; skin, 6; ears, 1; heart, 3; infected toes, 18.
The school physician has attended all the football games to a total of ten, both at home and away. A total of twenty-nine players were treated during the football season.
The following injuries were treated:
Lacerations 2 Hematoma of the
Sprained Fingers 1 Right Elbow 1
Sprained Knee 1
Sprained Ankles 4
Eye Injuries 2 Fractured Hand 1
Concussion 1 Sprained Elbows 3
Sprained Shoulders 2 Injury to the Thigh 4
Sprained Back 2
As may be seen from the above list no injury of a serious nature occurred.
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Two cases of diphtheria occurred in the first grade of the Lincoln School and one case proved to be fatal. All the pupils in the first grade of the school had a nose and throat culture taken following the outbreak of diphtheria and they were all found to be negative. Im- munization of this class was started immediately and the remaining schools were also immunized. The num- ber of children immunized totaled 179. The total number of children Schick tested was 183-170 were found nega- `tive and 13 were found positive. Those who were posi- tive were reimmunized.
Of the five scarlet fever cases, three occurred at the Lincoln School district, one at the Franklin School dis- trict and one at the Woodville School district. This shows that scarlet fever may break out spontaneously in all parts of the school district, but to date it has not caused any great concern since it is mild in degree.
If the pre-school child were immunized to diphtheria there would not be a single case in Wakefield, no deaths from the disease would occur, and there would be no blot on the excellent health record in the Wake- field Schools. The former School Physician made the remark that the absence of any diphtheria in Wakefield would give the parents a false sense of security, and . immunization against the disease would fall off.
It has been estimated that 75% of all children who enter the first grade show defects, either medical or dental, and yet it is taken for granted that all children who enter the first grade are supposedly well children. Examination of all children in the first grade in all the schools has revealed this fact to be so.
Children who enter the first grade should have a better preparation and this means the parents must be interested. The majority of defects in teeth occur be- tween the ages of three and five. The parents alone are responsible for the poor condition of the child's teeth. The same may be said of the presence of enlarged ton- sils. Disease in tonsils and teeth may seriously affect the health of the child.
The best method of attack in preparing these children is to have the parent understand how necessary it is for the health of their children that no defect should exist when the child starts school. Just as the parents are informed that all children must be vaccinated, so too they can be informed that a visit to the family doctor or dentist is also necessary. When the parents are con- vinced that the children must have defects corrected before starting to school, our percentage of such defects now found in the lower grades will rapidly improve.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
It may be suggested that as soon as there is a com- plete list of children who are to enter the first grades, they can be instructed to appear at their respective schools in their respective district on a given date. The children may be then examined with the parents pres- ent, defects pointed out, and an earnest request made to the parent to have the child taken to the family physician and have any defect corrected. The parent can take along a slip recording any defects to the family physician or dentist, and he can make a note of any corrections, and this notice can accompany the child to school in the fall.
Following is a report of cases taken care of outside the regular work of the School Nurse:
First aid to minor injuries 40
Children excluded-skin infections 6
Boys injured at manual training 4
Children taken to doctor's office
5
Children taken to North Reading Sanitarium for check-up 14
Children taken to Middlesex County Sanitarium for check-up 2
Children to Shriner's Hospital, in Springfield
1
Home visits 360
ATTENDANCE
The following paragraphs are from the report of the Supervisor of Attendance:
"Since assuming the position of Supervisor of Attend- ance on April 17, 1939, I have investigated 164 cases of absences from Wakefield Schools and Trade Schools, and the results show that in nearly every case "home conditions" is the principal cause of the absence. In many cases parents have "lost" control over their chil- dren. Neither parent nor child seem to appreciate the financial investment of the town in our schools, the importance of regular attendance, or the fact that one day's absence means an economic loss to the child and school.
"Much of the absence and tardiness could be eliminated in our High School if parents would insist upon regular attendance and punctuality by their children. Serious consideration should be given by parents to this matter of attendance and tardiness. It may mean success or failure in the future of their children."
MAINTENANCE
The following are some of the major repairs and alter- ations which were completed during 1939:
High School: From Special Appropriation of $5,000.00:
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Fire Escape.
12 additional urinals. 12 additional water closets.
All lavatories refinished.
Additional drains.
Lighting facilities improved in Auditorium.
Improved cafeteria facilities.
Drafts eliminated in Auditorium. Roofs repaired. Corridor floors refinished.
West Ward:
New window sash and shades.
Woodville :
East side of building pointed and waterproofed.
Several new window sash.
Steam air valves replaced throughout.
Roof capstones removed and reset.
Floor sanded.
Warren:
Furnaces repaired. Roof repaired. Front lawn re-seeded.
Lincoln :
Sash cord replaced by sash chain.
Department stockroom conditions improved.
Ventilation fan room ceiling made fireproof. Roof repaired. Electric light outlets.
Chain link fence repaired. Plaster repairs.
Hurd:
All doors made weathertight. Heavy oil removed from floors. Roof repaired. Plumbing improved.
Montrose:
Heating and temperature control system corrected. Roof repaired (Bonded).
Trees in play-yard trimmed and made safe for children.
Franklin:
Heating and temperature control systems corrected. Additional pictures hung in corridors. Plaster repairs. Fire-alarm battery and rectifier.
Boiler room painted in aluminum.
Gas stove installed for use of the special classes. Water leakage stopped by correction in plumbing.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Greenwood:
Heating and temperature control systems corrected.
Automotive damper installed.
Panic bolts on fire escape doors.
Desk and chair bolts and screws tightened.
Steel flag pole erected, replacing wood pole.
Library ceilings strapped.
Hamilton:
Glass replacement. This building is now used as a storehouse for the Department.
General:
Several hundred minor repairs. Trees on all school property were trimmed and made safe for children.
W. P. A. PROJECTS
Shortly after January 1, 1940 the Works Progress Ad- ministration is expected to start school improvement projects, the first in three years, in the order named below:
Greenwood School:
Cementing floor under auditorium. Wire-lath and plastering under auditorium. Washing and painting ceilings and walls; washing, shellacking and varnish- ing woodwork. Note: The plastering of classroom ceilings and library ceilings, which is included in this project, will be done under the direction of the School Committee by contract.
Woodville School:
Cement floor in basement under assembly hall; also wire-lath and plastering unsafe ceilings in class- rooms, corridors, and in basement of assembly hall; washing and painting ceilings, wall and woodwork, painting outside of doors and windows and varnish- ing inside woodwork.
Lincoln School:
Reflooring classrooms, corridors and stairways through- out. Wash and paint walls and ceilings, washing and varnishing woodwork.
Hurd School:
Same as the Lincoln School.
High School:
Filling and grading a sag in the football field and running track, and loaming and seeding balance of area filling.
Franklin School:
Filling and grading school yard-average of about two feet and graveling a depth of six inches on top.
Survey of Lincoln, Hurd, West Ward and Warren School buildings.
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
RETIREMENTS
Dr. Charles E. Montague retired on July 1 after serv- ing as school physician, with salary, since 1912. Dr. Montague was a member of the School Committee from 1902-1912 and during several years prior to his resignation from the Committee to accept the paid position of school physician, he had served in the same capacity without any compensation. Doctor Montague gave much more freely of his time and advice than we had a right to expect for the small salary paid. He was always wel- comed by teachers and pupils because of his kindly inter- est in their welfare and for the welfare of the school system as a whole.
We miss the doctor's genial nature, his dry humor, his sympathetic understanding of human frailties, and his kindly advice and suggestions.
Miss Isabel M. Elliot retired on July 1 after thirty- nine years as a teacher in the elementary schools. We can only estimate the full value of such a conscientious, faithful and cultured teacher. The thousands of boys and girls who have passed through her room must still carry the imprint of her most excellent influence.
George E. Zwicker served as janitor in the High School building since May, 1923. His work was uniformly of a high grade, and his courteous but firm dealing with the students always kept things moving smoothly. We miss him and his genial presence about the building.
James F. Curley has been janitor of the Franklin School since September, 1923. Mr. Curley's previous experience enabled him to do many things about the building that he could not have done without it. Mr. Curley kept his interest in his building at a high degree all through his service. The teachers and pupils miss Mr. Curley's kindly personality.
IN MEMORIAM
On March 5, J. Edward Hatch passed away. Mr. Hatch's work, particularly as Supervisor of Attendance, was out- standing. His sympathetic understanding of young peo- ple gave him a great influence for good over them. His visits at the homes were courteously received and his tactfulness with parents received unusual cooperation. The school children miss his genial smile and his whole- some advice.
As Custodian of Buildings, he had the hearty co-op- eration of the janitors and all others who worked about the buildings. He took care of school property as though it were his own.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Town has lost an able, conscientious and high- minded employee and citizen.
COMMENTS
During the year 1939, the School Committee has tried to operate our schools as economically as possible and still furnish adequate and proper training for our children.
During the year, because of the decrease in enroll- ment in the elementary schools, two teaching positions were eliminated.
The High School has been operating on a single ses- sion plan since September, 1939. The change from the double session to the single session is still in the experi- mental stage but with further improvements that are to be made, it is hoped that the pupils in our High School will obtain much better training than they did under the double session plan.
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